Bequests and Wills: a centuries-old tradition
The University of Glasgow has an outstanding international reputation, not only for the quality of education it provides, but also as a major centre for world class research. Giving by bequest is one way to ensure that the University continues with this tradition of excellence.
William Hunter, one of the most renowned of the University's benefactors, bequeathed his entire "Collection of Curiosities" to the University, along with funds to construct a suitable building, resulting in Scotland's first public museum which opened in 1807. He is by no means alone in having chosen to support the University of Glasgow after his death.
Since its foundation in 1451, the University has been the fortunate and grateful beneficiary of countless legacies from its generous alumni, friends and supporters.
Click on one of the options below to find out more about bequest to the University of Glasgow.
How your legacy can help
A legacy to the University of Glasgow can help by:
- Raising the aspirations and unlocking the potential of talented young people from abroad as well as Scotland
- Advancing knowledge and technology for the improvement of society
- Helping understanding of diseases in humans and animals, including cancer, and our search for treatments and cures
- Contributing to Scotland's international reputation by supporting a distunguished seat of learning
You may wish to leave a legacy to benefit a specific area of reseach or a department, support a scholarship or chair, fund a piece of equipment or direct your gift to where the need is greatest.
All gifts and donations are administered by the University of Glasgow Trust for the benefit of the University. This helps to ensure that gifts are treated appropriately, donors wishes are carried out and the University receives the maximum benefit possible.
Making a Will
Wording
The University of Glasgow Trust will always endeavor to carry out particular wishes, but recommends the inclusion of a paragraph allowing flexibility, to ensure that your gift will always remain useful. Your solicitor will be best placed to advise on the wording for your Will taking into account your wishes. Please make your solicitor aware that bequests should be directed to the University of Glasgow Trust (Charity No: SC008303) University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ
Types of legacy gift
These are the 3 most common type of legacy gift.
- Special: A gift of a particular item of property.
- Pecuniary: A gift of a specified sum of money. The value of this type of legacy will decrease over the years. Linking your bequest to the Retail Price Index will maintain its real value, preventing it from being eroded by inflation.
- Residuary: A gift of whole or part of the residue of the estate. This is the portion of a estate which is left after all other payments of bequests and debts have been made.
Providing for your loved ones
Conditional A legacy gift dependent on a set of circumstances having arisen on death, eg. ‘if my husband should predecease me, the whole of the residue of my estate to the University of Glasgow.
Providing for your loved ones after your death will be one of the most important things for you to consider when making your Will. However it is possible to make provisions for those closest to you as well as benefiting the University. You may wish to discuss your options with your solicitor.
How bequests make a difference
For over five-hundred years, the University has benefitted from the generosity of legators.
Click on the links below to find out more about the difference a bequest to the University of Glasgow will make.
Contact us
If would like to consider the University of Glasgow in your will, or for more information, click the link to download a copy of our guide to Making a bequest to the University
Alternatively, we'd be happy to send you a copy through the post. To request a copy, or for any other bequest-related enquiries, please contact:
Mrs Barrie Bryson
Development and Alumni Office
The University of Glasgow
2 The Square
Glasgow
G12 8QQ
e. Barrie.Bryson@glasgow.ac.uk
t. 0141 330 6886